House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday announced that flags at the US Capitol, currently at half-staff to honour former President Jimmy Carter, would be temporarily raised on January 20 to mark Donald Trump’s second term.
“On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump,” Johnson stated.
The decision defies President Joe Biden’s proclamation of a 30-day mourning period for Carter, who passed away on December 29 a the age of 100. According to Johnson, the flags will return to half-staff the day after the inauguration, continuing the tribute to Carter until January 28, as per US flag code.
Trump had publicly criticised the prospect of lowered flags during his inauguration, calling it unprecedented and accusing Democrats of relishing the moment. However, according to a New York Times report, flags have historically flown at half-staff during an inauguration if it falls in the mourning period. President Richard Nixon’s 1973 ceremony occurred under similar circumstances, following President Harry Truman’s death.
Meanwhile, Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida raised its flags shortly after Carter’s funeral, ignoring state directives to keep them lowered.
“No American can be happy about this,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social earlier this month.
It mirrors actions taken in recent days by some Republican governors, reported The Associated Press. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that flags in their states would also be raised for Inauguration Day.
“While we honour the service of a former president, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming president,” Abbott stated. DeSantis echoed this sentiment, citing the day’s patriotic importance.
The order affects flags at federal government buildings and their grounds, as well as at US embassies and other facilities abroad, including military installations and vessels.
However, the White House confirmed there would be no changes to Biden’s original order. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that the 30-day mourning period would remain in effect at federal facilities.
